Well Tempered Classic Turntable w/Ortofon Quintet Blue MC Cartridge

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General:
Freshly rebuilt Classic turntable featuring one of our favorite tonearms.

A 'table of this quality would easily cost about $5k these days.

The WTA (Well Tempered Arm) is a unique and outstanding system comprised of a simple tonearm assembly suspended from lightweight acrylic monofilament, and dampened by a cup of very thick silicone fluid. This clever and well-performing system is a tweakers paradise, as many adjustments can be performed while the record is actually playing!

We prefer local pickup for this table since all the fluids are in place and it's perfectly dialed in - which is a bit more challenging than most 'tables. If you have experience with this model already we will consider shipping along with the necessary fluids. 

It will come fitted with a lightly used Ortofon Quintet blue MC phono cartridge which tracks very nicely on this table. 

Overall this 'table is in very good condition with no significant scratches or signs of wear. The plinth was repainted for a fresh new look and new fluids were installed. 

SkyFi Cosmetic Notes:
Some extremely light scratches on the tonearm, Overall very good condition.

Ownership:
Single Owner

Connections:
RCA Phono output, Ground post

General Sound:
Smooth, uncolored, undistorted natural and clean

Cosmetic Condition:
8/10 = Very Good. Excellent front faceplate, one minor flaw on chassis side or top. See our detailed rating description here.

Working Condition:
Working perfectly and calibrated on our custom turntable calibration stand.  Rubber band visible on the tonearm should be kept in place as it helps keep the azimuth knob from rotating.  Pulley is only setup for 33 RMP.  Will require new pulley if you wish to play 45.  

Included:
Exactly as pictured and described above.

Packing:
Will be packed using our highly developed in-house process and custom packing materials.Specs:
Belt-driven turntable with integral record clamp, filament-bearing, viscous-damped tonearm, and standalone AC synchronous motor assembly. Adjustments: speed selection (331/3 or 45rpm), alignment, tracking force, VTA, azimuth, damping, and antiskating.

Dimensions:
19" W (430mm) by 7" H (130mm) by 15.25" (390mm) D. Motor assembly: 5" (130mm) diameter by 4.5" (115mm)

Weight:
57 lbs.

Link to Manual:
Click Here

Recommended Cables:
Kimber Kable - Phono Interconnects

Kimber Kable - Flagship Phono Interconnects

Testing Process:
First we try to identify any mechanical issues, particularly in the tonearm bearings. We check for freedom of movement or any resistance on both the horizontal and vertical range. There is a quick test for this which involves placing the table on its front edge and allowing the arm to swing freely like a pendulum. We then make any adjustments necessary to achieve minimal resistance and sometimes adjust the bearing pressure. On gimbal tonearms we inspect the cone tip with a magnifier.

We then assess the platter speed using one of several methods, the most accurate being playing a test tone on a test record and measuring the frequency output with a frequency counter or oscilloscope. We also utilize test equipment to measure the wow and flutter to ensure it is within spec. We do this for all speeds available for that particular model (33 RPM, 45 RPM, 78 RPM).

Adjustments are then made to achieve proper speed which will vary depending on the turntable's drive design. Some require an adjustment of an internal or external potentiometer, some will require a pulley or motor adjustment. We also inspect the platter bearing to ensure it is properly lubricated, keeping in mind that some bearings don't require lubrication at all

We then inspect the power supply and address any issues with overworked capacitors, particularly on Linn and later Thorens machines which tend to need attention.

On fully mechanical vintage tables like the Thorens TD-124 and Garrard 301/401 we will go thought the entire mechanism. Then replace any worn parts and lubricate all components necessary to ensure smooth operation, speed change, and low mechanical noise. 

When fitting a new phono cartridge we will go through our detailed calibration process which can involve as many as 12 steps depending on the tonearm design. We perform this work on our custom turntable calibration rig which was developed in-house.

Some of these steps include:
• Pivot to Spindle Adjustment
• Tracing Force
• Anti-Skate
• Tonearm Height
• Lifter Height
• VTA (Vertical Tracking Angle)
• Azimuth
• Stylus Distance and Overhang

We then do a critical listening test using our test records and our test system to ensure proper sonics.